Labor & Employment (Collective Bargaining) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 669: An Act relative to collective bargaining

This bill amends Massachusetts' collective bargaining law (Chapter 150E) to clarify which state employees are covered under the law. It removes a specific exclusion that previously prevented employees in the state secretary, treasurer, auditor, and attorney general departments from being classified as "employees" under the law. The bill then explicitly states that for these employees, their respective department heads (secretary, treasurer, etc.) will serve as the "employer" for collective bargaining purposes. This change directly affects employees in those four state departments by clarifying their bargaining unit structure under the existing law.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 560: An Act relative to collective bargaining dues

This bill amends Massachusetts law (Chapter 150E) to allow employers to refuse payroll deductions for union dues, even if employees have authorized the deduction. It directly affects public sector employees represented by a union in Massachusetts, as it removes the requirement for employers to process these dues through payroll. The key provision inserts a new subsection (7) into existing law, explicitly permitting employers to decline this service. The change alters the existing process for union dues collection but does not affect the right to join a union or the authorization of dues payments.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1121: An Act to assure quality foster care

HD 1121 reclassifies foster parents as "public employees" *only* for the purpose of collective bargaining under specific labor laws, directly affecting foster parents in Massachusetts. The bill establishes their right to form bargaining units and negotiate terms like payment rates, training opportunities, and dispute resolution procedures, while explicitly prohibiting strikes. It clarifies that foster parents remain excluded from state employee benefits (like retirement or workers' compensation) and that the Department of Children and Families retains full authority over licensing, monitoring, and child placement decisions. The law amends existing statutes to enable this bargaining framework without altering core agency responsibilities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1131: An Act relative to collective bargaining rights of Massachusetts employees

This bill clarifies the process for maintaining collective bargaining representation when Massachusetts government agencies lose jurisdiction over public employee bargaining units. It requires the Department of Labor Relations to automatically certify the existing union as the exclusive bargaining representative if a government agency determines the workers are no longer covered by law or declines to handle the case. This applies specifically to public employees whose bargaining units face jurisdictional changes, ensuring continuity of representation without new rights or benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1393: An Act expanding access to commuter transit benefits offered by employers

This bill requires Massachusetts employers with 50 or more employees to offer pre-tax transit benefits to non-union workers, aligning with federal tax rules. It mandates that employers provide this benefit as a way to reduce employees' taxable income for commuting costs, with fines of $100 for first violations and $250 per month for ongoing non-compliance. The Department of Revenue must run a public awareness campaign and provide multilingual materials to help workers understand and request these benefits. The law applies to private employers (excluding federal government employers) and takes effect one year after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3058: An Act establishing parking cash-out

HD 3058 requires employers with 10 or more employees to offer a "parking cash-out" program instead of providing free or subsidized parking. Under this law, employees who choose not to use employer-provided parking can receive equivalent financial benefits - such as transit subsidies, cash, or a mix - equal to the current market cost of parking. Employers must calculate this cost based on nearby public parking rates or, if unavailable, the lowest-priced transit option within a quarter-mile, adjusting annually using the Consumer Price Index. The bill directly affects employers (excluding those with union contracts requiring parking or vehicle-reimbursed roles) and their employees who currently receive parking benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2092: An Act clarifying constitutional officer employers for collective bargaining purposes

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1850) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to designate constitutional officers as employers of the employees under their jurisdiction. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4125: An Act relative to a universal sick leave bank policy

This bill (HD 4125) creates a standardized sick leave bank system for state employees in Massachusetts. It requires state agencies to establish rules allowing employees to donate unused sick leave, which can then be accessed by colleagues facing non-work-related illness. Key rules include verifying no prior sick leave abuse, requiring proof of the employee’s own illness (not family), and mandating employees use all other accrued leave first. Unused leave in the bank reverts to the donor by December 31, with a maximum cap of 25 days per employee, without overriding existing union agreements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Paid Leave

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 2, 2025

S 1368: An Act relative to collective bargaining dues

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1368) of Michael F. Rush for legislation relative to collective bargaining dues. Labor and Workforce Development.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2895: An Act relative to the employee rights of employees of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

By Representative Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2895) of Jack Patrick Lewis relative to collective bargaining of employment, assignment and promotion for employees of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

All labor & employment bills